Installation issue!

[choclabnut]

 


I've tried several times unsuccessfully to install Avast 5.0! I had an older version on my laptop but for unknown reasons had been removed!
I'm able to down load and install the program to the desktop, but when I try to open it I receive the above message!
(message image wouldn't copy into message body)C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast 5\AvastUI.exe
This application has failed to start because the application configuration is incorrect.
Reinstalling the application may fix the problem.
I've attempted to install the program directly and by saving the program to my desktop and running it from there with the same results.
Is there possibly a virus that is blocking the installation process?
This is an older Dell laptop running Windows XP Media Center Addition.
Can anyone advise me what actions to take next?
Thanks!
Newbie.....

[CharleyO]

***

Welcome to the forums, choclabnut   

How much RAM foes this old Dell laptop have?


***

[choclabnut]

Being technically challenged I couldn't tell you...
Point me in the right direction and we will find out together! :'(
Better yet,
Dell XPS
1.86 GHz
781 MHZ
0.99 GB Ram

[SafeSurf]

What other security software did you have in the past on this machine including antivirus (AV), firewall (FW), and other security programs?  If they were in the past, how did you remove them (the vendor's uninstaller's tool or another way)?

[choclabnut]

McAfee, and to be honest I don't remember how it was installed...
This machine was preloaded with a PC-illion
I typically remove any unwanted programs using the "Add Remove Programs" provided thru Windows.

[CraigB]

McAfee, and to be honest I don't remember how it was installed...
This machine was preloaded with a PC-illion
I typically remove any unwanted programs using the "Add Remove Programs" provided thru Windows.

You will need to download and run the McAfee removal tool from here http://uninstallers.blogspot.com/ and reboot after it's done.
You will also have to get the avast removal tool from here http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=54385.0 run it then reboot, if you cant run then you might have to do it in safe mode,reboot after it's done and now you should be able to install avast.
Please make sure that you also have the latest sp update's which for xp is sp3

[choclabnut]

Thanks!
I'll see what happens...

[SafeSurf]

Here is additional information for the McAfee Uninstaller tool if the above does not help:

This article provides the steps to remove McAfee from the Security Center from your computer:
http://ts.mcafeehelp.com/faq3.asp?docid=71525

Also for direct download: http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/VSCleanupTool.exe and http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe (2007)

Remember to reboot after using the uninstaller tool.

[choclabnut]

I ran the McAfee uninstaller without any trouble! I'm unable to run the Avast uninstaller.
I tried to go into 'Safe Mode" and couldn't get an internet connection? I can't open the program to turn off the self protection so I can install it...

[SafeSurf]

This machine was preloaded with a PC-illion

Try this uninstaller for PC Antivirus: http://esupport.trendmicro.com/1/How-do-I-remove-old-or-new-versions-of-Trend-Micro-products-in-my-comp.aspx.  If any remnants of AV's are left behind, it can prevent new AV's from proper installation.  Remember to reboot after you run the PC/Trend uninstaller.

After you do the above uninstall, can you get into Safe Mode by hitting the F8 key repeatedly?

[YoKenny]

How to Start Computer in Safe Mode with Networking
http://www.precisesecurity.com/how-to/ht-smodewnet.htm

Download avast! install:
http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.html?part=dl-85737&subj=dl&tag=button

Uninstall Utility
Sometimes it´s not possible to uninstall avast! the standard way - using the ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS in control panel. In this case, you can use our uninstallation utility aswClear.

http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility

[choclabnut]

Well....
I just finished uninstalling all the old AV software!
Downloaded the new version of Avast and wallah!
Same problem
Whats next?

[CraigB]

Well....
I just finished uninstalling all the old AV software!
Downloaded the new version of Avast and wallah!
Same problem
Whats next?

Did you end up being able to run the avast removal tool?do it in safe mode if possible. What is your firewall?

[SafeSurf]

choclabnut,

To confirm:
1. You uninstalled BOTH McAfee and PC/Trend AV's, then rebooted after each uninstall.
2. You started out with 0.99 GB Ram.  {I suggest more RAM}
3. You uninstalled Avast using the Uninstall Utility Tool in Safe Mode.
4. You installed a clean copy of Avast and it still doesn't work.

Time to look for malware.  Sometimes malware will prevent AV's from installing.

Check your computer for malware with Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware (MBAM).
·   Download free http://www.malwarebytes.org/ (the blue button) for an on-demand scanner.
·   Double Click mbam-setup.exe to install the application.
·   After install, click update so you have latest database before scanning.
·   Under Settings:
o   General: Automatically Save File After Scan Completes is checked off
o   Scanner Settings:  Check all boxes
o   Updater: Download and install update if available is checked off
·   Once the program has loaded, select "Perform FULL Scan", then click Scan.
·   The scan may take some time to finish, so please be patient.
·   When the disinfection scan is complete, a log will appear in Notepad and you may be prompted to Restart. (See Extra Note).
·   Click the “remove selected” button to quarantine anything found.  You will find the infection details under the Quarantine tab.
·   The log is automatically saved by MBAM and can be viewed by clicking the Logs tab in MBAM.
·   Copy & Paste the entire report in your next reply.

If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you will be presented with 1 of 2 prompts -- Click OK to either and let MBAM proceed with the disinfection process; If asked to restart the computer, please do so immediately.

Please let me know if you have any questions.  Thank you.

[choclabnut]

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.46
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 4052

Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3
Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702

12/5/2010 8:54:25 AM
mbam-log-2010-12-05 (08-54-25).txt

Scan type: Full scan (C:\|)
Objects scanned: 218087
Time elapsed: 1 hour(s), 1 minute(s), 5 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 0
Registry Values Infected: 0
Registry Data Items Infected: 0
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 0

Memory Processes Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:
(No malicious items detected)
 I had already done this before I went and followed all the instructions provided.
is the result of my last scan.